Kelowna residents gathered across the street from city hall to take a stand against racism. The idea of staging Kelowna event comes amid a wave of protests in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police officers May 25.
It was a peaceful loosely organized, open mic event that started slowly with people reluctant to take to the stage at first. But the momentum built, as did the crowd which numbered about a thousand people by 1:30 pm.
Christie Coyne and Alana Turigan attended the event. Both of them have sons who are black.
"I have six and she has two," said Coyne. "We're here because it could be our sons. And we're very emotional right now."
"Both of my boys are very upset about this," said Turigan.
There was some criticism of today's event circulating on social media, focused on a lack of consultation with the black community, but most people we spoke to are convinced that despite any missteps, the intent was positive.
Nikita Abrams enjoyed it. As a black person living in Kelowna she shrugged-off the criticism that was circulating on social media about the organizers failing to consult enough with the black and indigenous communities.
"They're showing their support," she said. "It should not be an issue at all. White people put this on, that's to be applauded."
Tomba Lamlin, who is also a black person living in Kelowna agreed. "I think it's the intent that really matters at the end of the day."
Hugo De Borgos was there, with a banner reading: 'I can't breathe'. He's a professor at UBCO. He says if anyone thinks Kelowna doesn't have a problem with racism hasn't looked closely enough.
"I'm one of the few visible minority professors," he said. "It's quite unfortunate, not to say shameful, that there isn't a single black faculty in UBC Okanagan."
The event had a calm and orderly feel to it. There was little police presence and must a modest number of security people in the area.
There is a march planned for 8 pm this evening.
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